BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Albanian counterpart Bamir Topi exchanged congratulatory messages on Monday to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his message, Hu said the past 60 years have witnessed the continuous development of China-Albania relations in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

At present, bilateral ties have maintained a sound momentum for further development and shared a broad prospect, he said.

China is ready to join hands with Albania, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, to strengthen political mutual trust, deepen traditional friendship, expand pragmatic cooperation, and create a bright future for the friendly and cooperative relations, he said.

Topi said that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries had continuously consolidated and strengthened in the past 60 years.

He said sincere friendship between the two countries served as an important foundation for the development of bilateral ties.

The Albanian side is proud of its friendship with China and confident that their bilateral ties will further deepen and develop.